Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, continues to dominate public discourse, and as local governments begin to shut down schools and non-essential facilities across the country, proper hygiene is more important than ever.
Even before the COVID-19 outbreak began, the flu and cold season wreaked havoc on the workforce every year. Because employee absenteeism is sick or otherwise known as showing up, which means employees appear sick to work and do their job. Halfway work.
The CDC also reports that 17 million days of work are lost each year in the United States due to influenza alone.
Below, tips on how facility managers can help encourage hand-washing and other hygienic practices.
1. Hang up clear signage.
Simple reminders of when building occupants should wash their hands can be effective. Put up clear signage in restrooms, break-rooms and other high-traffic areas to remind people to wash their hands after coughing or sneezing, before and after they prepare food, and after using the restroom.
Signage can even include tips on how to wash your hands properly:
- Lukewarm water and soap for 20-30 seconds
- Scrub on all sides, under fingernails and between fingers
- Shake your hands in the sink before drying with a paper towel
The shaking helps eliminate needing to use multiple paper towels.